Wind blade component bonding fixture

ABSTRACT

The disclosed subject matter provides a system and method for facilitating bonding of various turbine blade components, including trailing edge inserts, or flatbacks, to the trailing edge of a wind turbine blade. The system disclosed herein ensures a consistent force is applied from root to top thereby preventing defects, e.g. paste voids, from forming. Additionally, a consistent bonding gap can be achieved due to the consistent application of force from the root to tip of the blade.

CROSS REFERENCE TO RELATED PRIORITY APPLICATION

This application is a Continuation of and claims the benefit of priorityunder 35 USC 120 to U.S. application Ser. No. 16/439,134 filed Jun. 12,2019, now U.S. Pat. No. 11,181,094, which claims priority under 35 USC119 to Provisional application No. 62/684,031 filed Jun. 12, 2018, theentire contents of which are hereby incorporated by reference.

BACKGROUND OF THE DISCLOSED SUBJECT MATTER Field of the DisclosedSubject Matter

The disclosed subject matter relates to a system and correspondingmethod for the manufacture of fiber reinforced polymer compositemanufacturing, e.g., wind turbine blades. Particularly, the presentdisclosed subject matter provides a system and method for facilitatingbonding of various turbine blade components, including trailing edgeinserts, or flatbacks, which provides greater blade efficiency andincreased energy capture.

Description of Related Art

As the use of wind turbines continues to grow as a source of alternativeor “clean” energy, technological advances in the art have allowed forincreased sizes of wind turbines and new designs of wind turbinecomponents. However, as the physical sizes and availability of windturbines increase, so does the need to balance the cost of manufacturingand operating wind turbines to further allow wind power to becost-competitive with other energy sources. The size, shape, and weightof rotor blades are factors that contribute to energy efficiencies ofwind turbines. For example, an increase in rotor blade size increasesthe energy production of a wind turbine, while a decrease in weight alsofurthers the efficiency of a wind turbine.

Furthermore, as rotor blade sizes grow, extra attention needs to begiven to the structural integrity of the rotor blades. Presently, largecommercial wind turbines are capable of generating between one andone-half megawatts to five megawatts of power. Accordingly, efforts toincrease rotor blade size, decrease rotor blade weight, and increaserotor blade strength, while also improving rotor blade aerodynamics, aidin the continuing growth of wind turbine technology and the adoption ofwind energy as an alternative energy source.

In order to achieve higher performing blades with increased annualenergy production, “flatback” airfoils have been employed for theinboard section of the blade. Compared to thick conventional, sharptrailing-edge airfoils, a flatback airfoil with the same thicknessexhibits increased lift and reduced sensitivity to fouling. Theseprevious designs have incorporated the flatback concept into the skin,by opening up the trailing edge of the airfoil uniformly along thecamber line. While offering improved performance, the structure of theseprevious designs is not reliable in all circumstances.

Some exemplary airfoil designs which include a flatback component aredisclosed in U.S. Pat. Nos. 9,151,270 and 8,092,187, the entire contentsof which are hereby incorporated by reference. Installation and assemblyof these flatback components present a number of challenges in that theyare typically lifted and pushed against the bond surface of the bladeskin via manual force. This results in an uneven force, and consequentlypaste voids between the assembled components.

There thus remains a need for an efficient and economic method andsystem for handling and assembling the flatback component to facilitatemanufacture of the wind turbine blade.

SUMMARY OF THE DISCLOSED SUBJECT MATTER

The purpose and advantages of the disclosed subject matter will be setforth in and apparent from the description that follows, as well as willbe learned by practice of the disclosed subject matter. Additionaladvantages of the disclosed subject matter will be realized and attainedby the methods and systems particularly pointed out in the writtendescription and claims hereof, as well as from the appended drawings.

To achieve these and other advantages and in accordance with the purposeof the disclosed subject matter, as embodied and broadly described, thedisclosed subject matter includes: an apparatus for assembling windturbine blade components comprising: a main body portion, the main bodyportion including a plurality of interconnected struts; at least onearm, the at least one arm including a plurality of interconnectedstruts, the at least one arm configured to engage a leading edge of amold; at least one leg, the at least one leg including a plurality ofinterconnected struts, the at least one leg configured to engage atrailing edge of a mold; a template, the template configured to hold ablade component; and an actuator, the actuator configured to apply aforce to the blade component.

In some embodiments, the blade component is a flatback insert, and theforce applied by the actuator is directed towards the trailing edge ofthe blade.

In some embodiments, the arm can rotate with respect to the main bodyportion. In some embodiments, two arms are included, the first armdisposed at a first end of the main body portion, the second arm spacedfrom the first arm and having a greater length than the first arm. Insome embodiments, at least one leg is longitudinally spaced from the atleast one arm.

In some embodiments, at least one leg is removably attached to the mainbody portion.

In some embodiments, shackles are included on a top surface of the mainbody, the shackles configured to engage a vertical hoist mechanism.

In some embodiments, the main body has a first side and a second side,both the first and second sides disposed interior of the leading andtrailing edges of the mold.

In some embodiments, at least one actuator is connected to a bottomsurface of the main body portion. In some embodiments, the at least oneactuator is connected to the template. In some embodiments, a pluralityof actuators are disposed equidistantly from adjacent actuators. In someembodiments, the at least one actuator is a pneumatic piston. In someembodiments, the at least one actuator is disposed between the leadingedge and trailing edge. In some embodiments, the at least one actuatoris adjustable in distance relative to the main body portion.

In some embodiments, the template engages a blade component along a topedge thereof. In some embodiments, a blade component holder is connectedto a bottom of the main body portion.

In some embodiments, at least one leg extends laterally from the mainbody portion. In some embodiments, the at least one arm extendslaterally from the main body portion. In some embodiments, the main bodyportion, the at least one arm and the at least one leg are discreteassemblies.

It is to be understood that both the foregoing general description andthe following detailed description are exemplary and are intended toprovide further explanation of the disclosed subject matter claimed.

The accompanying drawings, which are incorporated in and constitute partof this specification, are included to illustrate and provide a furtherunderstanding of the method and system of the disclosed subject matter.Together with the description, the drawings serve to explain theprinciples of the disclosed subject matter.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

A detailed description of various aspects, features, and embodiments ofthe subject matter described herein is provided with reference to theaccompanying drawings, which are briefly described below. The drawingsare illustrative and are not necessarily drawn to scale, with somecomponents and features being exaggerated for clarity. The drawingsillustrate various aspects and features of the present subject matterand may illustrate one or more embodiment(s) or example(s) of thepresent subject matter in whole or in part.

FIG. 1 depicts an exemplary embodiment of the blade assembly apparatusincluding a representative half-blade mold and flatback component.

FIGS. 2-5 depict an exemplary embodiment of the blade assembly apparatusincluding flatback component (i.e. blade mold removed for clarity); FIG.5 is a bottom perspective view of FIG. 4 .

FIG. 6 are exemplary views of the main body of the assembly apparatusdisclosed herein.

FIGS. 7-9 are exemplary views of the legs of the assembly apparatusdisclosed herein.

FIGS. 10-11 are exemplary views of the arms of the assembly apparatusdisclosed herein.

FIGS. 12-13 are exemplary views of the actuator of the assemblyapparatus disclosed herein.

FIGS. 14-19 are exemplary views of templates of the assembly apparatusdisclosed herein for holding the flatback.

FIG. 20 is an exemplary view of the storage rack of the assemblyapparatus disclosed herein.

FIG. 21 is an exemplary view of a connecting member of a leg of theassembly apparatus disclosed herein for engaging a mold flange.

FIG. 22 is an exemplary view of the assembly apparatus disclosed hereinpositioned above and within a blade mold.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF AN EXEMPLARY EMBODIMENT

Reference will now be made in detail to exemplary embodiments of thedisclosed subject matter, an example of which is illustrated in theaccompanying drawings. The method and corresponding steps of thedisclosed subject matter will be described in conjunction with thedetailed description of the system.

A blade for the use in the generation of power has a leading edge and atrailing edge. A first shell portion of the blade extends from theleading edge to the trailing edge. A second shell portion of the bladealso extends from the leading edge to the trailing edge. A root portionof the blade is positioned proximate the wind turbine and a tip portionwhich extends from the root portion away from the wind turbine. In somewind blade designs, a trailing edge insert, or “flatback”, is positionedbetween the first shell portion and the second shell portion.

The use of the trailing edge insert to provide a flatback profile hasmany advantages, including, but not limited to, significant improvementin the aerodynamic performance of airfoils and increased energy capturein the root design region. The utilization of the trailing edge insertalso adds structural stiffness to the blade. Additionally, the use ofthe trailing edge insert provides a high lift aerodynamic design thatallows for greater blade efficiency by utilizing short chord lengths andthick chord profiles. As blade performance requirements are drivenhigher, this design offers increased performance, particularly near theroot region, in a lower weight package.

While the use of the trailing edge insert is described for use with thewind turbine blade, the trailing edge insert may be used in other bladeconfigurations and for blades which operate in other environments, suchas fluids. Additionally, the fixture disclosed herein can be employed tofacilitate installation of a variety of wind turbine blade components,e.g. spar cap and shear webs, and is not limited to flat backinstallations. Reference to “flatback” herein is for convenience andpurpose of illustration, not limitation.

As shown in FIG. 1 , a pressure side shell 100 of wind turbine blade(and underlying mold) is depicted, having a leading edge 102 and atrailing edge 104. A trailing edge insert, or “flatback” 200, is mountedto the pressure side shell portion 100 by periodically spaced adhesivejoints. Likewise, the trailing edge insert 200 is mounted to the suctionside shell portion by periodically spaced adhesive joints. In someembodiments, the adhesive joints are formed by dispensing a continuousbead of adhesive at desired locations on either the flatback 200 or skinof the blade within the mold. Additionally or alternatively, the bondingof the flatback 200 to the blade skin can include use of a guide railwherein a paste shoe is guided through in applying paste to the bladeskin. This guidance can be provided manually or remotely. These adhesivejoints are formed between surfaces via contact with adhesivecompositions or other materials known in the art for joining compositematerials. Suitable adhesive compositions include, but are not limitedto, epoxy, polyester, methylacrylate, vinylester or other adhesiveresin.

In accordance with an aspect of the disclosure, a fixture (1000) isprovided which retrieves a flatback insert (200) from storage, deliversthe flatback to the trailing edge side (104) of a mold 1), and installsthe flatback at the appropriate position within the mold (1) for bondingand final assembly. Additionally, the fixture (1000) can maintain theflatback (200) at a fixed orientation with respect to the blade (104)and or mold (10). For example, the fixture (1000) can maintain theflatback (200) with respect to the surface of the blade via the legs(1002) of the fixtures which are received through the attachments on themold frame. Also a stopper can be provided to oppose the push of theflatback (200) from the pneumatic cylinders.

As shown in FIG. 1 , the fixture 1000 includes a plurality ofinterconnected truss members joined in a variety of configurations toaccommodate blades of alternating dimensions. The fixture (1000)includes: a main body portion (1001); arms (1012) extending from themain body portion to engage the leading edge of the mold (1); aplurality of legs (1002) disposed outside the mold (1) and extendingdownward to engage the leading edge of the mold (and optionally, thefloor); a plurality of shackles (1003) (for raising/lowering the fixture(1000); a double limb chain rigging (for engaging the shackles (1003)for raising and lowering the fixture relative to the mold (1)); anactuator with guider (1050); a flatback holder (1006); and a flatbackstorage rack (1007).

The fixture 1000 is configured to be positioned inside and above theblade mold (10), with adjustable arms (1012) that engage the flanges ofthe mold (10) along the leading and adjustable legs (1002) that engageflanges on the trailing edge of the mold, and permit precise positioningand installation of the flatback with respect to the blade trailingedge, as described in further detail below.

Fixture Main Body Portion (1001)

The fixture main body portion can be constructed of a variety ofmaterials and sizes with sufficient structural integrity to support theweights associated with the various components of the wind turbineblade. For example, the fixture main body (1001) can be formed ofplurality of metal, e.g. steel, trusses which can be welded together toform a generally rectangular structure, as shown FIGS. 1-3 . The fixture(1001) can be sized to have a length which corresponds to the length ofthe flatback insert (200), as shown. In some embodiments, the fixturecan extend beyond the boundaries of the flatback insert (200) and reachfrom the root to the tip of the blade.

The main (1001) body can be formed with longitudinally (e.g. spanwsie)extending struts (1001 a) which join a series (e.g. six, as shown) ofperpendicular frames (1001 b). Additionally, torsion resistance beams(1001 c) can extend diagonally between frames, as shown in FIGS. 1-6 .In the exemplary embodiment shown, the frames (1001 b) are equallyspaced along the length of the main body (1001).

Fixture Arms (1012)

The fixture also includes an arm (1012) which extend from the main bodyto the leading edge of the mold (1). The arms (1012) can include amounting bracket for coupling to the leading edge of the mold. This arm(1012) serves as a stabilizing force during handling and installation ofthe flatback insert (200). Additionally, the arm (1012) can locate thefixture to the skin mold and serve as a datum to reference the rest ofthe locating devices attached to the fixture.

In the exemplary embodiment shown, two arms (1012) are provided whichare distributed along the fixture length. A first arm (1012) is locatedat front end of the fixture (1000), and the second arm is spaceddistance therefrom, coinciding with the location of the fourth frame(1001 b) of the main body (1001) (as shown in FIG. 6 ). Accordingly, thelength of the arms can vary to accommodate the varying mold/blade chord,with the first arm (1012 a) being shorter than the second arm (1012 b)located closer to the tip (i.e. where the mold/blade chord is largerthan proximate the root region of the blade).

Each arm includes a first portion extending from, and co-planar with atop surface of the main body (1001), and a second portion which slopesdownward towards the leading edge of the mold (1), as shown in FIGS.10-11 . The arms (1012) can be formed with a pair of parallel strutswith diagonally torsion resistance beams (1012 c) extending diagonallybetween struts, as shown. In some embodiments all struts and beams ofthe arms (1012) can be vertically aligned so as to be coplanar (e.g.occupy a single vertical plane)

Additional arms can be employed to increase rigidity and/or provideadditional reference points for ensuring proper positioning of theflatback insert (200) with respect to the mold, if desired. Also, insome embodiments, the arms (1012) can be repositioned with respect tothe main body (1001), e.g., the arm (1012 a) can be relocated to thethird or fifth frame (1001 b), of FIG. 6 if desired).

Also, the arms 1012 can include a hinge or pivot mechanism at the unionof the arms and fixture body (1001) to allow the arm to rotate withrespect to the main body of the fixture to an angle of approximately 90degrees. Additionally, the arms 1012 can be rotated to be in a parallelorientation with respect to the body truss (1001 a) to provide a morecompact configuration better suited for movement and storage. Inoperation, as the fixture (1000) is lowered into the frame of the mold,the arms (1012) are rotated outward and into position to engage theleading edge of the mold flange.

Fixture Legs (1002)

The fixture also includes legs (1002) which extend from the main body(1001) to the trailing edge of the mold (1). The legs (1002) can includea mounting bracket for coupling to the trailing edge of the mold.

In the exemplary embodiment shown, three legs (1002) are provided whichare distributed along the fixture length. A first leg (1002) is locatedat front end of the fixture (1000), coincident with the first arm(1012); the second leg is spaced distance therefrom, coinciding with thelocation of the third frame (1001 b) of the main body (1001) (as shownin FIG. 6 ); the third leg (1002) is disposed at the distal (tip) end ofthe main body (1001). Similarly to the arms described above, thedimensions of the legs (1002) can vary to accommodate the varyingmold/blade chord.

Each leg (1002) includes a vertical strut having a pair ofperpendicularly extending struts configured to attach to the main body(1001). The bottom of the vertical strut includes a mounting bracket forcoupling to the leading edge of the mold, as shown in FIG. 7 . As shownin FIG. 7 , the first leg (1002 a) can have an F-shape construction,while the second and third legs (1002 b, 1002 c) have an additionalvertical strut (1002′) included for additional rigidity. The legs (1002)can be releasably attached to the main body (1001), e.g. via a bracketand pin connection as shown in FIG. 7 . In some embodiments all strutsand beams of the arms (1012) can be aligned so as to be coplanar.

Additional legs can be employed to increase rigidity and/or provideadditional reference points for ensuring proper positioning of theflatback insert (200) with respect to the mold, if desired. Also, insome embodiments, the legs (1002) can be repositioned with respect tothe main body (1001), e.g., the legs (1002) can be relocated to thesecond, fourth or fifth frame (1001 b), of FIG. 6 if desired.

Shackles (1003)

As best shown in FIGS. 1-2 and 22 , the fixture includes a plurality ofconnection members, e.g. shackles (1003), which allow the fixture (1000)to be lifted and descended into a desired location on the mold (1). Thefixture can be lifted, e.g. via cables and pulley system, transported toa desired location above the mold (1), and lowered to engage the moldflanges for installation of the flatback 200. In the exemplaryembodiment shown, a first pair of connection members (1003) are locatedat a first end of the main body (e.g. coupled to the top surface offrame 1001 b), and a second pair of connection members (1003) arelocated at the opposing end of the main body. Additional connectionmembers (1003) can be employed along the main body, if so desired toprovide additional load distribution channels for the fixture whensuspended in air.

In accordance with an aspect of the disclosure, the fixture (1000) doesnot make contact with the blade skins, but instead rests only on theouter mold flanges. The vertical movement can be advantageous in that itallow for removal, and storage at the elevated height, when the fixtureis not in use and/or when maintenance needs to be performed on the shopfloor.

In some embodiments, the fixture (1000) can be translated along the spanof the blade mold (1) to be placed in position for attaching theflatback (200) to the blade. Additionally or alternatively, the fixturecan be constructed around the blade mold (e.g. erected as a scaffoldingwhich engages the floor).

Double Limb Chain Rigging

As shown in FIG. 22 , a chain or cable can be included to facilitatelifting, and supporting during transport, the fixture (1000). In someembodiments the chain is a double limb series of interconnected links.In other embodiments, a cable or rope is provided. The lifting mechanism(chain, rope, cable, etc.) can be provided on both ends to engage theconnection members (shackles 1003) and raised/lowered in unison suchthat the fixture (1000) remains oriented horizontally, i.e. parallel tothe shop floor.

In some embodiments, the fixture (1000) can be lowered in a tiltedorientation such that the legs (1002) can be engaged with the trailingedge mold flange first, followed by the arms (1012) engaging the leadingedge mold flange second; or vice versa. Similarly, the fixture (1000)can be lowered in an angled orientation such that the root-side of thefixture engages the mold prior to the tip-side of the fixture.

Actuator Guider (1050)

As shown in FIG. 1 , the fixture includes a plurality of actuationguiders (1050) spaced along the span of the fixture (1000). In theexemplary embodiment shown, six actuation guiders (1050) are distributedalong the fixture length with equidistant spacing (e.g. one actuationguider (1050) located at each frame (1001 b) of the main body) howeverthe number and distribution (e.g. uniform, gradient, etc.) of actuationguiders (1050) can be varied as desired to accommodate blades, and/orflatback inserts, of alternative geometries.

As shown in FIGS. 12-13 , actuation guiders include a cylinder (1051)for powering the actuation movement. In some embodiments the cylindercan power movement by pneumatic or hydraulic source. In some embodimentsthe cylinder can power movement via an electronic source. At the end ofthe cylinder (1051) is template (1052) for holding the flatback insert(200). The template (1052) is configured with a complimentary contour tothe flatback insert 200. Some exemplary embodiments of template (1052)designs are illustrated in FIGS. 14-19 . A plurality of templates aredisclosed in order to accommodate the compounding curves formed in thecomposite blade. In accordance with an aspect of the disclosure, thetemplates (1052) are designed to conform in a mating fashion with theshape and contour of the composite blade in order to ensure proper andeven surface contact, prior to application of force from the piston1051.

The actuation guiders (1050) also include a connection plate (1053)which can be releasably coupled to a truss of the main body (1001).Additionally, the connection plate (1053) can be releasably coupled tothe actuation cylinder (1051). Accordingly, the actuation guider can berepositioned to any desired location along the length of the fixture. Insome embodiments the connection plate (1053) can be configured as ahousing which surrounds the actuation cylinder (1051). This plate allowsfor pitch and transverse adjustment of the actuation cylinder (1051)relative to the fixture frame. As shown in FIG. 12 , a channel (1054) isformed where the plate (1053) can be attached. This allows for heightadjustment of the plate (1053). Also, reference numeral (1055) denotesthe main connection location for coupling to the body (1001) of thefixture.

As further shown in FIG. 12 , the actuation guiders also include a clamp(1056) for releasably securing the flatback insert against the template(1052). The clamp (1056) can be configured with a geometry thatinterfaces with the template (1052) to lock the clamp in place withrespect to the template (e.g. tongue and groove or dovetail engagement).

In operation, the piston within the cylinder (1051) is actuated (e.g.pneumatically) and driven to extend actuator arm (1058) through guiderail (1059) to force the template-flatback assembly towards the moldskin at the trailing edge. This applies a consistent force from the rootto tip thereby preventing defects, e.g. past voids, from forming betweenthe flatback insert and the blade skin. Additionally, the actuationguiders can maintain a consistent bonding gap due to the consistent andsteady application of force from the root to the tip (or any desiredsubsection thereof). As shown in FIG. 1 , a plurality of actuationguiders (1050) are included in the exemplary embodiment. These actuationguiders (1050) can be operated in tandem such that the same force isapplied, simultaneously, across each actuation guiders. Additionally oralternatively, the actuation guiders can be operated independently ofeach other.

During operation, the flatback (200) is held on the top edge at themolded side. The bonding surface of the flatback (200) is devoid of anyattachments or fixtures such that it remains free and unobstructed, andthus ready for bonding to the trailing edge of the blade. An adhesiveguide (or “paste shoe”) is positioned relative to the flatback andtrailing edge to deliver adhesive/paste to the select locationsaccording to the particular geometry of the flatback and trailing edgeblade models. After the adhesive is applied, the actuators are operatedto apply the compressive force to facilitate the dispersion of theadhesive between the flatback and the trailing edge, and apply a uniformforce along the two structures.

Flatback Holder (1006)

Referring again to FIG. 1 , the fixture includes a flatback holder(1006) which stages the flatback for positioning and bonding to thetrailing edge.

In an exemplary embodiment, the non-bonding surface of the pressure side(PS) of the flatback (200) goes into the slot of the template (theappropriate template of FIGS. 14-19 selected and positioned according toblade type/geometry). Each template is angled for each specific locationto follow the flatback (200) shape. The flatback (200) is locked to thetemplate with the vice grip clamps (1056). Each template (1052) isattached to the actuator (1051), independently or as an interconnectedseries. The templates (1052) will hold the flatback (200) while theactuator cylinder (1051) extends to close the gap between flatback (200)and skin bonding surface. On the mold side, there are holders thatopposes the actuator (1051) to keep the flatback (200) bonding surfaceflat against the skin bonding surface. As the flatback (200) is pushedagainst the skin surface and squeezes out the paste, there is thetendency of rotating the part due to the templates are attached to theupper part of the flatback (200). This induces a moment force, with theholders (1006) positioned to oppose this moment. The holders (1006) arepositioned on the mold flange to avoid being contaminated with bondingpaste as it is being squeezed out between flatback insert and blade skinduring the bonding.

Flatback Storage Rack (1007)

A flatback storage rack (1007) is also included within the main fixturewhich can store one or more flatbacks locally at the point of assembly,thereby reducing cycle time and risk of injury by reducing the need formanual manipulation and loading of flatbacks from inventory.

In an exemplary embodiment, the storage rack (1007) can be configured astwo carts with wheels that holds the flatback while not in use. Eachcart are placed on either end of the flatback (200). The flatback (200)is installed while the fixture is on the cart to avoid working underload. The carts are also used to transport the flatback fixture to thenearest mold where flatback bonding is needed. This reduces the craneusage, DL, and cycle time.

In some embodiments the storage rack/casters can include programmableservomotors to drive the apparatus about the floor to predefinedpositions and for predefined durations of time. Additionally oralternatively, the storage rack/casters can include sensors whichcommunicate with markers located on the shop floor to confirm properpositioning of the fixture, and signal an alarm if displaced.

Typically, the flatback (200) does not extend to the root of thepressure side of the mold/blade. In an exemplary embodiment, theflatback (200) starts where there is cylindrical shape transition to afan shape in the blade/mold. The flatback (200) serves as the trailingedge of the blade to accommodate the hinging movement during operation,and bonds to the blade skins on the flatback's horizontal surfaces. Thecylindrical shape of the blade is bonded through the vertical surfaceswhich is separate from the flatback.

In operation, the flatback (200) is located according to the bladespecification by mating pre-positioned and calibrated receivers on thepressure side of the trailing edge of the mold. The calibration processcan commence after set-up, which itself includes installation of thereceivers to the mold frame to match the legs (1002) of the fixture andfixture assembly. Actuators are set-up to follow the shape of theflatback (200) wherein the holder attachment are welded to the moldframe. Calibration can be performed while there is an infused skin onpressure side mold, and includes:

-   -   1. With the fixture is disposed on receivers, adjusting the        height and angle of the fixture. Here, adjustment is generated        by the receivers, and a laser tracking system can be employed to        ensure conformance with the 3D model.    -   2. Extending the actuators to full length and check the distance        to the skin. Adjusting the distance of the actuators so that        when the flatback fixture is pushed against the skin surface,        there is still sufficient pressure to ensure paste is being        forced out. In some embodiments, a 5 mm bonding gap can be        maintained by putting spacers on flatback.    -   3. Adjusting the holders according to the setting of step 2.    -   4. Proceeding through the operation by using clay between the        bonding surfaces to check for gaps.    -   5. Adjusting accordingly through the sliders and plate of the        actuators and holders.

In accordance with another aspect of the disclosure, this fixtureapparatus and operational method can operate independently of the shearweb bonding processes, unless there is a shear web bonding processesspecifically related to the pressure side.

Additionally, the flatback 200, one installed within a completed blade,can extend between the pressure side and suction side skins, such thatthe skins are spaced apart at the trailing edge to form a blunt trailingedge.

The preferred setting of the presently disclosed technique is in themanufacture of epoxy and polyester resin parts. While the exemplaryembodiment focuses on wind turbine blade manufacture, this process canbe used in the fabrication of other composite parts e.g., marine,transportation, rides, sculpture, aircraft/military, civilinfrastructure, construction, appliance/business, consumer,corrosion-resistant equipment, and electrical component installations.

While the disclosed subject matter is described herein in terms ofcertain preferred embodiments, those skilled in the art will recognizethat various modifications and improvements may be made to the disclosedsubject matter without departing from the scope thereof. Moreover,although individual features of one embodiment of the disclosed subjectmatter may be discussed herein or shown in the drawings of the oneembodiment and not in other embodiments, it should be apparent thatindividual features of one embodiment may be combined with one or morefeatures of another embodiment or features from a plurality ofembodiments.

In addition to the specific embodiments claimed below, the disclosedsubject matter is also directed to other embodiments having any otherpossible combination of the dependent features claimed below and thosedisclosed above. As such, the particular features presented in thedependent claims and disclosed above can be combined with each other inother manners within the scope of the disclosed subject matter such thatthe disclosed subject matter should be recognized as also specificallydirected to other embodiments having any other possible combinations.Thus, the foregoing description of specific embodiments of the disclosedsubject matter has been presented for purposes of illustration anddescription. It is not intended to be exhaustive or to limit thedisclosed subject matter to those embodiments disclosed.

It will be apparent to those skilled in the art that variousmodifications and variations can be made in the method and system of thedisclosed subject matter without departing from the spirit or scope ofthe disclosed subject matter. Thus, it is intended that the disclosedsubject matter include modifications and variations that are within thescope of the appended claims and their equivalents.

The invention claimed is:
 1. An apparatus for assembling wind turbine blade components comprising: a main body portion, the main body portion including a plurality of interconnected struts; at least one arm, the at least one arm including a plurality of interconnected struts, the at least one arm configured to engage a leading edge of a mold, wherein the at least one arm can rotate with respect to the main body portion; at least one leg, the at least one leg including a plurality of interconnected struts, the at least one leg configured to engage a trailing edge of the mold; a blade component holder, the blade component holder configured to position a blade component in a fixed orientation with respect to the trailing edge of a blade.
 2. The apparatus of claim 1, wherein the blade component is a flatback insert.
 3. The apparatus of claim 1, further comprising a template configured to receive the blade component.
 4. The apparatus of claim 1, further comprising at least one actuator configured to apply a force to the blade component.
 5. The apparatus of claim 4, wherein the force applied by the at least one actuator is directed towards the trailing edge of the blade.
 6. The apparatus of claim 4, wherein the at least one actuator is connected to a bottom surface of the main body portion.
 7. The apparatus of claim 4, wherein the at least one actuator is connected to a template configured to receive the blade component.
 8. The apparatus of claim 4, wherein the at least one actuator is a pneumatic piston.
 9. The apparatus of claim 4, wherein the at least one actuator is disposed between the leading edge and trailing edge.
 10. The apparatus of claim 4, wherein the at least one actuator is adjustable in distance relative to the main body portion.
 11. The apparatus of claim 3, wherein the template engages the blade component along a top edge thereof.
 12. The apparatus of claim 1, wherein the at least one leg extends vertically from the main body portion.
 13. The apparatus of claim 1, wherein the at least one arm extends laterally from the main body portion.
 14. An apparatus for assembling wind turbine blade components comprising: a main body portion, the main body portion including a plurality of interconnected struts; at least one arm, the at least one arm including a plurality of interconnected struts, the at least one arm configured to engage a leading edge of a mold, wherein the at least one arm can rotate with respect to the main body portion; at least one leg, the at least one leg including a plurality of interconnected struts, the at least one leg configured to engage a trailing edge of the mold; a blade component holder, the blade component holder configured to position a blade component proximate the trailing edge of a blade; at least one actuator configured to apply a force to the blade component; wherein the force applied is evenly distributed over the length of the blade component.
 15. The apparatus of claim 14, wherein the at least one actuator has an adjustable height.
 16. The apparatus of claim 14, wherein the blade component is disposed between the at least one actuator and the mold.
 17. The apparatus of claim 14, wherein the blade component is a flatback insert.
 18. The apparatus of claim 14, further comprising a storage rack, the storage rack configured to receive the blade component.
 19. The apparatus of claim 14, wherein the blade component holder is configured to engage a flange of the mold. 